Plummer has offer to stay a Cardinal

MESA, Ariz. -- The Cardinals have taken a step to keep quarterback Jake Plummer and plan to do the same with receiver David Boston, both of whom are scheduled to become free agents this month.

Vice president of football operations Rod Graves said Friday the team had sent a contract to Plummer's agent, David Dunn, and was awaiting a response.

"We've made an offer with conditions," said Graves, who would not elaborate.

Graves said he wants the quarterback position to be "a competitive situation" in training camp, even if Plummer returns.

That would seem to rule out an offer with a lot of guaranteed money, since Plummer could end up as a backup.

Plummer is expected to interest many teams, including Denver, Chicago and Dallas. It's unlikely Plummer will sign without hitting the open market and exploring his options when free agency begins Feb. 28.